Gear-cutting apparatus



March 1o, 1925. 1,529,267

' H. A. MYERS GEAR CUTTING APPARATUS v Filed sept. 20. 1920 5sheetsLsheet 1.

CTTFF-lai? mung- Imm I INvENT-DH March l0, 1925. 1,529,267

H. A. MYERS GEAR CUTTING APPARATUS Filed sept. 2o, 1920 5 sheets-sheet 2March 1o. 192s. 1,529,267

H. A. MYERS y GEAR CUTTING APPARATUS Filed sept. 2o, 1920 s shets-sheets Flg. E. 95 F77 A! JNVENTUE l, W /Yrv March 10, 1925. y 1,529,267

H. A. MYERS GEAR CUTTING APPARATUS Filed' sept, 2o, 1920 s sheets-sheet4 March 1o. 192s. A 1,529,261 H. A. MYERS GEAR CUTTING APPARATUS 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Verence marked thereon,

Patented Mar. 10, 1925.

UNITED STATES HUBERT A. MYERS,

OF TOLEDO, OHIO, AASSIGNOIR TO THE HUBERT COMPANY,

0F TOLEDO, OHIO, A CORPORATION 0F OHIO.

GEABFCUTTING APPARATUS.

Application led September 20, 1920. Serial No. 411,475.

To all whom it lmay concern: l

Be it known that I, HUBERT A. Mms, a citizen o'f the United States, anda resident of Toledo, in the county of Lucas and State of Ohio, havemade an Invention Appertaining to Gear-Cutting Apparatus; and l dohereby declare the following Ato be a full, clear, and exact descriptionof the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to whichit appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and 5:0 the characters of refwhich form a part ofthis specification.

This invention relates to the cutting of gears and particularly those ofthe spur tooth t e.

An obihct of the invention is the provision of a machine which isautomatically operable to'successively feed gear blanks to a carrier,successively act on the blanks to progressively cut teeth thereon, andthen discharge. the cut gears from the carrier pre-l paratory toreceiving others for cutting.

A further object of the invention is the provision of simple andeilicient means for effectively clamping and holding one or more gearsduring the successive operations.

A further object of the invention is the provision of easily operablemeans for sharpening the cutters at predetermined'intervals.

Further objects and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed descriptlon thereof.

While the invention lis capable of numerous modifications, a preferredembodiment thereof is illustrated in the -accompanying drawings, inwhich,-

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the machine with some of the ,gearcarriers and cut-ter heads removed and with parts broken away. Fig. 2`is a central vertical cross-section thereof. Fig. 3 is an enlargedsection like the left portion of Fig. 2. Fig. '4 is an elevation withparts in section showing the driving means for the carrying table. Fig.5 is an enlarged side elevation of one of the cutterLheads with aportion broken away. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectionalvertical axial lsection through one of 'the cutter-heads an'd associatedgear carriers, with the latter carrying-a set of gear'blanks and inretracted relation to the formerl Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentarysection on the line 7-7 in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section onthe line 8-8 in Fig.7. Fig. 9 1s l an enlarged fragmentary plan view ofa portion of the Imachine embodyin the cutter sharpening means. Fig. 10isa ragmentary outer end elevation of the sharpening means.

Fig. 11 is a section on the line 11-11 in Fig. 6. Fig.'12 is a plan of aportion of the oscillatory cam-table above a portion of the drivingmechanism therefor. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of one of the cuttersand a portion of the guide and controlling means therefor. Fig. 14 is anenlarged section .on the line 14-14 in Fig. 1, and Fig. 15 is a diagramof a portion ,of the electrlc wiring in connection particularly with theloading and ejecting heads and a portion of the cutter-heads. l

,Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the stationary machine base,which is circular in form and has a stepped bearing standard rising'from its center and forming 'ournals 2 and 3, and also has a raisedcircuar rim portion 4. A circular series of equidistantly spacedstandards 5 rise from the base rim 4 adjacent to its outer edge portionin concentric relation to the center standard, and each standard 5,excepting two, carries a cutter-head 6 (28 of such heads being providedin the present machine), and one of the two remaining standards, ywhichadjyoin each other, carries a loading-head 7 Y i while the other carriesa stripping or discharge head 8.

A circular carrier table 9 has a bearing on and is adapted to turn aboutthe center journal 2, which is the lower of the pair, and the outer rimof the table extends overthe inner edge of the base rim 4 and has abearing thereon. The table 9 is intended to have intermittent rotarymovements in one direction periodically imparted theretoby suit- `ablemechanism hereinafter described, the

gear loading, cutting and discharging operations taking place during theperiods of lrest of the table. A :circular series of equidistantlyspaced standards 10 rise from the I outer' edge portion 'of the tablewithin the circle described by theinner fades of the sef'ries or heads6, 7 and 8 and are of a number to provide a radial space therebetweenfor each of said heads and adapted to radially register therewith whenthe table is at rest.

A carrier-slide 11 is mounted in each of the spaces, except one, betweenthe standards 10,

and hasits side edges mounted in horizontal guide grooves12 in thead'acent upper edge portions of the standar s to permit the slide tohave inward and outward radial movements relative to the table and tothe head 6, 7 or 8 with which it registers. Each slide `11 projects atits inner end within the circle formed by the standards 10 and carries aroller 13 at such end for engagement in a respective cam-groove 14 in acircular cam-table 15, whereby rotary reciprocatory movements of thetable will impart radial reciprocatory movements in unison to theseveral slides of the set. Each slide 1,1 has a head 16 at its outer endadapted to carry one or more gear-blanks a -or movements into and out ofthe registering head 6, 7 or 8.

For the purpose of carrying a set of gears or blanks a, eachcarrier-head 16 has a spindie-rod 17 projecting therethrough in axialregister witha registering head 6, 7 or 8 and from the outer end of thecarrier head. The

y' projecting outer end of the spindle is provided with a spiral conicallgroove 18 and encircledby a spiral ribbon or expanded clutch bushing19, which is anchored against endwise .movement to the head 16 and hasits inner surface fitting the groove 18 whereby, when the bushing iscontracted, an inward movement of the spindle-rod will effect anexpansion thereof. The spindle-rod` is normally retracted to expand theclutch bushing by a coiled expansion spring 20, which encircles the rearend of the rod withina socket 21 in the carrier-head and has itsopposite ends thrust against the base of the socket and a shoulder onthe rod. The spin- 4dle-rod is moved outward against the tension of thespring by a lever 22, which extends vertically through an opening intheslide A11 and is fulcrumed at its lower end to a bracket-,arm 23,projecting from the head 16, and has its upper end pivoted to the outerprojecting end of a core 24 of a solenoid 25, whereby an electricalenergization of the core will impart an outward movement to the rod andrelease or contract the -clutchbushing. The clutch-bushing is of a sizeto 'adapt it when contracted to befreely inserted into the hub openingof the gears a, and vupon anexpansion of the bushing the gears arefirmly held thereon in end abutment one With'another and with the innerone in end thrust abutment with'the outer end of the carrier-head.

The cam-table 15 is mounted for horizontal rotation on the upper journal3 of the central base standard and is provided in its rim periphery witha horizontally disposed annular recess 26 in which the inner ends of theslides 11 project. The upper and lower walls of this recess are bothprovided with cam grooves 14 arranged close together and receiving therollers 13, one groove being table in clock-wise direction will forceall4 of the slides 11 and carrier-heads outward in unison, While aturning of the table in the oppositeV direction will uniformly 'retractthe slides. Due to the closeness of the grooves, one-half are providedin one wall and one-half in the other wall of the recess 26, with eachhalf receiving alternate rollers 13. The grooves 14 are provided in thepresent instance in hardened face plates forming the walls of the recess26. During a running of the machine the cam-table 15 has a constant,uniform, rotary, reciproca- ,tory movement imparted thereto to transmitsuccessive inward and outward movements v to the carrier-heads 16 tomove the gears or with the next head, 6, 7 or 8. It' is intended thatduringeach cycle of operations in cutting the teeth on a gear blank'asuch set will be delivered to each carrier-head 16 when in register.with the loading-head 7, will then be successively acted on by thesucceeding cutter-heads 6 to progressively cut the teeth j thereolneachcutter-head performing a predetermined cutting operation, and whenthecutting of the teeth is completed by the lastl cutter-head of the set,the gears vwill -be movedinto register with the discharge head 8, sothat upon the next outward movement of the carrier-head thefinished gearsetwill enter the head 8 and be stripped from the carrier-head upon thesucceeding receding stroke of the carrier-head, as hereinafter morefullyldescribed. i j

Theu driving power is received from an electric motor 27 mounted on thecarriertable 9, the motor shaft having beveled gear connection 28 withaconntershaft 29, which has a pinion 30 in direct driving connectionwlth a gear 31 on a clutch shaft 32 and has a second pinion 33 inconnection through a pinion 34 (Fig.- 4) wiih a second gear 35 on theshaft 32. The gears 31 and 35 are loose on the shaft. 32and one or theother is clutch connected therewith by shift'- ing in the desireddirection a clutch sleeve 36 mounted therebetween .on the shaft.Clutches of this character are so common as not to require specificillustration and description. The clutch sleeve 36 is shifted intoengagement with one or the other of the 'gears 31 and 35 by rockingmovements of a bell crank lever 37, the long arm of which carries aroller 38 at the top side of its free end between a pair of spaced camlugs 39 and 40 on the underside of thecamlos p table 15 (see Fig. 12),whereby upon a predetermined movement of the cam-table to the left thecam lug 39 will strike the roller and move the lever and clutch sleeveto'disengage the forward driving gear 31 and engage the reverse drivinggear 35 to drive the cam-table to the right until the clutch is againshifted by coaction of a cam4 lugr with the clutch lever. Theclutch-shaft 32 has a small beveled gear 41 in mesh with a largerbeveled gear 42 on a 4short vertical shaft 43, and this shaft is in turnin drive ing connection with a horizontal worm shaft 44 through a pairof beveled gears 45. Each of the shafts 29, 32, 43 and 44 is journaledin suitable bearings on the carrier-table 9 so that the drivingmechanism described is carried by and moves with said table. The

worm 46 on the shaft 44 meshes with a segmental rack 47 fixed to theunder side of the cam-table 15 so that the cam-table will be driven apredetermined distance in first one and then the other direction by thesuccessive forward and reverse driving movements of the drivingmechanism.

The means employed'to intermittently advance the carrier-table 9relative to the heads 6, 7 and 8 will now be described. A shaft 48 isdriven from the shaft 32 through a beveled gear connection in suitablebearings on the carrier-table 9 (Figs. 1 and 4). A worm 50 on the shaft48 meshes with and drives a worm-wheel y51, the vertical shaft of whichis journaled through the table 9 and carries a crank .arm 53 below thetable. y

A pawl 54 is pivotally carried by the wrist pin of the crank arm and isurged by a spring 55 to normally engage an annular series of ratchetteeth 56 provided on the inner periphery of the base rim 54 so that whenthe 'crank arm is turning in clockwise direction with the pawl inengagement with the ratchet teeth, the table 9 will be moved forward adistance equal to the space between the axes of two adjoining heads 6,

y7, or 8, the stroke of the pawl being sutilcient for that purpose. Apair of rocker arms 57 and 58 are carried at opposite ends of a verticalshaft 59, journaled through the table 9 in a bearing 60, the arms andshaft cooperating to form a bell crank lever with the lower arm 57provided at its end with a transverse pin 61 in sliding engagement withthe outer side of a flange 62 on the top side ofi the pawl 54 lengthwisethereof so that the pawl may be` withdrawn and held from engagement withthe ratchet teeth 56 by the lever. The upper arm 58 carries a roller 63in engagement with a cam 64 on the bottom of the cam-table 15, theformation of the cam being such that the lever 57-58 will hold the pawl54 from engagement with the ratchet during approximately the firsttwo-thirds portion of each move- 49 and is journaled.

.remain in such engagement during the remainder of the stroke of thecam-table. The forward movement of the pawl by the revolution of itscarrying crank 53 duringsits engagement with the ratchet will impara therequisite forward movement to both the cam and carrier-tableto'advancethe carrierheadsone step. A spring 65 acts on the bell-cranklever 57-58 to normally hold the roller 63-in engagementwith the cam 64.In order to cushion the cam-table 15 at the end of each stroke, twocushion pins 66 arc carried in '.annularly spaced relation by the tableat its underside and coact with a post 67 rising therebetween from thetable 9. carriedtby bosses 68 on the cam-table.

During the portion of each outward move- 'ment of the carrier slides 11,when the carrier-heads lthereof enter vthe respective heads 6,-7 or.8 onthe case, thecarrier-table 9 is locked againstmovement relative to thebase by a locking pin 69 (Fig. 2), entering a registering hole 70 of aseries provided in an annular flange 71 entirely therearound.

. This flange' rises from the base rim immedi- The pins and theircushion springs are edge'of the table 9 and is guided at its inner Y endby a standard 73 on said table. A vertically disposed lever 74 isfulcrumed to the standard 73 above the pin 69 and has its lower'endpivoted to the adjacent pin end and its upper end preferably providedwith an anti-friction roller and projecting into a cam groove75Yprovided on the under side of the cam-table 15. This groove isadapted to impart a predetermined inward pin withdrawing movementpto thelever during a portion of the movement of the cam-table incounter-clockwise direction and to move the pinl outward to lockingposition when the cam-table is moved in clockwise direction relative tothe table 9. The movement of the pin is gauged, however, so that thereis no locking action betweenI it and the base fiange 71 during theperiod of shifting movement of the carrier-table which takes placeduring the last third movement of the inner end to permit axialmovements therein of the carrier-head 'spindles and gear sets carriedthereby. MTheclosed end of the head I is providedv at its outer sidewith a vertical dove-tail 78 for interengagement within a dove tailgroove -on the inner side of the uptail 78.

' grooves 91 in the chasers.

The standard 5 has its top forked, and a stem 82 projects from the rearor outer closed end of the shell 77 through the fork opening. 'This stemis hollow to form a socket 83, which opens into the interior of theshelland receives a plunger 84 for reciprocatory movementstherein. Theplunger 84 has its rear end reduced to projectA through an opening inthe socket bottom and the reduced end of the plunger carries i a collar85 without the rear end of the stem for coaction therewith' to limit theforward movements of the plunger. A coiled eX- pansion spring 86encircles the reduced porl, tion ofthe `vplunger within the socket 83'with its opposite end-thrust against the bottom of the socket and ashoulder on the plungerto normally retain the plunger at the limit o fits forward movement. lThe plunger 84is intended to act as an outer endbearing .for the spindle-rod 17 wlfen such rod with a set of gears isforced intov the cutter-head, thereby assisting in holding the gearstruly centered within the cutter-head. For this purpose the spindle-rod17 has its outer end projecting beyond the gearset and of conical formto fit into a complemental socket 87 in the plunver end.

The shell 77 is provided in-its outer end portion with an annular seriesof interior 'longitudinally extending ribs 88 spaced ing to form guidesfor chasers 89, one of apart transversely of the head and. cooperatingto form guides for chasers 89, one of which is disposed in the spacebetween each adjoining pair of ribs, The chasers are guided by the ribs88 for longitudinal adj usting movements lengthwise of the shell at anincline to its axis, the chasers, in the present instance, beingguidedby flanges`90 on the sides of the ribs l88 entering side Thegrooves 91, in the' present instance, are of eater width than theflanges 9() to ermit imited radial play of the 'chasers' in t e spacesbetween the ribs 88 to provide clearance between the chasers., and gearsduring an outward retracting movement ofthe latter, asl hereinafterdescribed. The incline of the chasers is such that the forward cuttingends thereof are disposed 'more closely to ether than the rear innerends thereof, as s own. The

cutting ends or noses of the chasers are cut` on a bevel so that thecutting point of each chaser forms an acute angle. A chaser holding bar92 projects into the spacebetween each pair ofribs 88 vfrom the innerend of the shell cavity at the outer side of each. chaser and has aplurality of teeth on its innier side which' interengage with similarteeth on the outer or adjacent side of the respective Chaser, as shownat 93,'s'o that when the teeth are engaged the bars may oppose an endthrust on the chasers. The bars 92 are yieldingly held in engagementwith 'the chasers by coiled compression springs 94 which project intothe spaces between the ribs 88 from sockets .in the f shell wall andbear inward against the' outer sides of the respective Chaser bars 92.The inner ends of the Chaser-bars have pivotal longitudinal purposehereinafter described. The chasers 89 may be formed to out one or moregear teeth,

and, in thepresent instance, are formed to cut one complete tooth andthe adjoining side of atooth at each side of the" complete tooth (seeparticularly Figs. 11 and 13).

A cam ring 99gis mounted for rotaryy movements in an annular grooveprovided peripherally in the outer end edge portion of the shell 77, andthis ring is provided with a plurality of cam slots 100 one of which isprovided for each pair of chasers 89 of the set and in yposition toregister with the space between the chasers of the pair. A plurality oftrip bars 101 are mounted for radial movements in the shell at theinnerside ofthe ring 99, one being provided'for I each slot 100 andlhaving a `pinlprojected into such slot whereby a turning of the camring 99, will' impart-'predetermined radial movements tothe trip bars'.Atrip-bar 101' projects at its inner end between the chasers of eachpair at the forward ends thereof and has -an enlargement which fits intothe adjacent grooves 91 of the adjoining chasers so that radialmovements of the trip bar will impart radial movements to the outer endsof the engaged chasers, such movement i being permitted by' reason ofthe play betweenthe` Chaser grooves and the guide flanges 90 and al'sobyreason of the 'yielding of the springs 94. It is thus evident that upona movement of the cam ring 99 in one direction, all ofthe chasers areuniformly forced inward to cuttingposition and upon a movement of thecam ring in the opposite direction are uniformly forced the coil of theother solenoid is energized the movement of the core and cam-ring is inthe opposite dlrectlon. The energization of the solenoid isautomatically controlled as hereinafter described.

' casing in position for a registering carrier head spindle clutch toenter the same upon an outward movement af the carrier-head.

During a movement of the carrier-head spindle into a set of work piecesa, the clutch of the spindle isl held contracted bythe energizing of theassociated solenoid 25, which takes place during the outward movement ofthe carrier-head receiving a load. The gear blanks feed in sets of five.down the chute 107 and when the plunger is retracted the advance setenters the casoing 106 and is then advanced into loading position by theforward movement of the plunger. The plunger is controlled in itsmovements from an undulated cam 109 (Fig. 14), provided entirely aroundthe upper outer edge portion of the flange 72 rising from the edge ofthe carrier-table 9. A vertically-disposed rockerarm 110 is pivoted tothe base rim 4 for radial rocking movements relative thereto and isprovided at its upper end with a'roller 111, which bears inward againstthe peripheral edge of the cam. A bar 112 connects the yrocker-arm 110with a rocker-arm 113,I which rises from the outer edgeportion of thebase 4 and is pivotally connected at its upper end to a pitman or rod114 in connection at its inner vend with the plunger 108. A contractilespring 115 connects the arm 113 to the standard carrying thehead 7 andacts to move the plunger outward and to retain the roller 111 in contactwith the coacting cam. The cam is of proper formation, as shown in Fig.1, to impart the necessary rearward and forward strokes to the plungerduring the retracting strokes of the carrierheads and the initialportions of the feed strokes thereof.

The unloading head 8 comprisesthe upper openend of a discharge chute 116(Fig. 1)

and is in proper posltion for an associated carrier-head, when at1ts.l1m1t of outward movement,to'have its load of gears t dis-` posedthereover. As the load of gears are forced outward over the chute 116they pass between a pair of tongs or hooked fingers 117, which arepivoted at 118 for-horizontal movements and are adapted to have hookedengagement at theirfree ends with the rear `edge of the inner gearof theset when the gears. have been moved outward substantially to dischargingposition. Y The spring fingers are yieldingly held in gear grippingposition by a spring 119 disposed between tail pieces thereon. When thecarrier-head `is approximately at load discharging position theassociated. solenoid 25 is energized to impart an outward movement tothe spindle rod 17 to permit a contraction of the clutch bushing 19`such energizing continuing until the cutter-head has substantiallycompleted its rearward or contracting stroke thereby permitting theclutch spindle to be withdrawn from the set of cutting-gears while thegears are held against retracting movement with the cutter-head by thecatch fingers 117 The means for controlling the energizing anddeenergizing of thermagnet 25 at the load discharging point will behereinafter described.

In the space-between one of the pairs of standards 10 of thecarrier-table k9 is mounted a slide 120 (see Figs. 7, 8. 9 and 10) inthe same Ymanner that the carrier-slides 11 are. mounted between theother airs of standards of the set, and an electr1c motor 121 is mountedon an elevated rear end portion 120a-of the slide. A shaft 122isjournaled in the slide 120 in radial'relation to the axis of thecarrier-table 9 and in position to axially register with the center of acutter-head at each period of rest of the carrier-table. except when theshaft is opposite the unico loading and loadingl heads of the 'machine Agrinding wheel 123 is carried by the shaft .122 at Aitsouter end inposition to coact at its outer side with the outer ends of a set ofaligned chasers 89 when moved` outward to.

grind the same upon an outward movement of the slide frame 120. Theshaft 122 has high speed gear connection with the motor through a trainIof gears 124. The slide frame has a pair of horizontally spaced arms 125and 126 projectingrearward therefrom and these arms are connected by across-bar 127 pivoted to each andk carrying a roller 128 intermediatethe arms for travelling in a cam-groove 129 on the top of the camtable15. This groove is.. of a length corresponding substantially to thestroke.

length of the cam table 15 and is provided with neutral. end portions band'c and with an mtermedlate cam portion d. The trav- Cil ersing of thecam portion by the roller 128 durin a clockwise movement of the camtable lmparts an outward stroke to the slide 120, and v'ice versa. thatthe length of the neutral portion?) of the cam groove determines *theperiod of engagement of the grinding wheel with the chasers. Anadjustment of the slide 120 relativeto the cam groove to`compensate forwear of the grinding wheel may be accomplished by an adjustment of thelength of the arm 126, which is adapted for such'purose. PA shaftI 130is journaled mand extends through the hollowof the shaft 122 with itsouter end extending in .position to have end thrust engagement with aregistering ,cutter-head plunger 84 at approximately-the time ofengagement of the 4outer ends of the carrier-head spindles 17 withthe'aligned plunger 84 upon an outward movement of 'the respectiveslides, the plunger being forced inward by the continued outwardmovement of the shaft.

outward movement, a conical friction wheel they conical opening formedby the ring 98 within the cutter-head, the wheel being permitted t omove axially on'the shaft Ito allow for any further movement of theshaft due to the wheel being splined on'theshaft'and held in itsoutermost position by a coiled expansion spring 132. A ratchet wheel-133is fixed to' the inner end of the shaft 130 and the teeth ofthis wheelare engaged by a pawl 134 carried by a rocker arm 135 on a rocker shaft136 journaled in the frame 1208. When the trimmer-slide 120 is at thelimit of its outward movement and the `roller 128 thereof is` traversingthe neutral end portion b of the cam groove 129, a roller 137 on thewrist-pin of a crank-handle 138, carried by the rear end o the shaftv136, engages and travels over a c m 139 on.the cam table 15 and impartsa predetermined rocking movement to theshaft 136 and from it throughthepawl and -ratchet 133 to the shaft 130 and wheel 131. This movement ofthe wheel 131 imparts. a-corresponding movement to theA adjusting spiderformed by the rings 95, 98 and spokes 97 in a direction to cause aslight outward adjustment of the bars 92 and chasers 89 by reason of thethreaded connection of the ring 95 with the shell 77. The adjustmentwhich is thusirn- Xparted to the chasers of each head-at each cycle ofoperations is suiiicient to compen-` sate yfor wear and to permit asharpening of the ends of the chasers by the grinding wheel 123, thestroke of movement of which is constant.v A coiled spring 140 connectsthe rocker arm 135 lto the -slide `frame-120 and acts to return theshaft 136 and parts It will be understood When the trimmen slide 120 isapproximately at the limit of its carried thereby to normal positionafter the` the pinion is a wormwheel 147 with which a drive, worm 148engages, and on the with the pinion 145. lOn the shaft 146 with wormshaft is a hand crank 149 to permit manual adjustment of the trimmer bar142.

The electric wiring for the different electrically controlled parts isillustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 14, in which 150 and 151 designatethe main negative and positive leads respectively, having connectionwith respective conductor rings 152 and 153 insulatingly mounted on thebase 1 in encir` cling concentric relation to its axis. A pair ofelectric brushes 154 and 155 are 'insulatingly carriedby thecarrier-.table9 at its unde rside in position to have continual slidingcontact on the respective rings 152 and- 153, the brushes beingpreferably held in yieldmg contact with the rings, as shown in Fig.

I156 has a lead v160l extending to the center of the carrierone of threeswitch contacts e, f and r/ of a l switch 161. The outer contact e has alead 162 extending therefrom to a wire 163 extending aroundthe machinewhile the contact g has a lead 164 extending to a wire 165 extendingaround the machine. -The switch 161 and wires 158, 163 and 165 arecarried by the table 9 to turn therewith. The table ange 72 carries aset of three contact brushesfh, z' and j which yieldingly bear at theirouter ends against an insulation ring 166 on the base flange 71 exceptwhen moved into register with re ective contacts k, l and min said ring.ach brush h has connection with the wire 165, and each brush z' hasconnection with the wire 163, while Ieach brush 7' has connection withthe negative side of the coil of each solenoid 25. i The contacts k andl of each set in association with a cut- 3. When the machine isoperatingthe two 95 brushes are in continual connection with the positive side ofthe coil of each of these solenoids is connected to a positive lead wire167 extending from the main positive lead 151. Only .thecontacts Z andmare provided in association with the loading head 7 and these arecross-connected` while onlycontacts and m are in association with theunloading head and these are cross-connected.

The movable member of the switch 161 comprises a bell-crank lever 168having a bridging U-shaped' contact brush on the end of one arm adaptedlto bridge the space between either the contacts e and f or f and (l,depending on the position ofthe lever. The other arm of the levercarries a roller 169 which, when the cam-table 15 is approximately atythe limit of its forward stroke, is engaged by a cam 170 on the tableto cause a movement of the lever to bridge the connection between thecontacts e and f. as Vshown in Fig. 1 4, and when the table 15 is at thelimit ofits stroke in the opposite direction the lever roller is engagedby a cam 171 on the table and the lever is moved to bridge the contactsf and g.

With the lever 168 in the position shown and the carri/table 15 movingrearward lor in clockwise direction, during which movevment thecarrier-table 9 is stationary, the

circuit of each solenoid 25, whose carrierhead is in register with acutter-head 6. is open, as it will be noted that the connection to thenegative side of each of such solenoid coils is broken between'thebrushes 'i and j. This leaves the spindle clutch of each associatedcarrier-head in work holding position. When a carrier-head 16 has movedinto register with'the unloading head 8 the brushes 7i. and j will bebridged by the contacts 7c and m so that the connection between thenegative wire 165. and the negative side lof the associated solenoid 25is closed. l The wire.` 165 is'not, however, in closed circuit with lthemain lead wires due to the brush of the switch 161 connectingr thecontacts e andf and not f and g. When the` cam table 15 hasapproximately reached its limit of movement in clockwise direction, atwhich point the carrier heads 16 will be approximately at their limitsof outward movement, the switch lever 168 Lwill be engaged by the'contact 171 and moved to open the connection between the contacts e andf and to close the connection between the'contacts f andy g of theswitch. The closing of the latter contacts closes the circuit with thesolenoid 25, which is'then associated with the unloading 'head so thatthe solenoid is energized to effect a release of thespindle holding thecompressed set of gears. whereupon atY the next retracting stroke of thecutter-heads the gears disposed within the unloading head will bestripped from the spindle and permitted to spindle clutch remainingreleased until the switch lever has again been shifted at the end of theforward stroke of the cam. table.

With'respect to the. solenoi-ds 104 and 105.v which control the radialshifting of the chasers, when the switch lever 168 is in bridgingrelation to the contacts e and f,

with the `cam table 15 moving rearward as head in register with theyloading-head 7. the circuit of the solenoid 25 for such carrierhead isclosed to maintain the spindle clutch 18. -1-9 contracted by reason ofthe bridging of the switch contacts e and f and the closing of theconnection between the associated brushes and i by the contacts Z and m.When the spindle has entered a set of gears in the carrier-head and hascompleted its outward stroke the switch lever 168 will be shifted toopen the circuit to said solenoid. thereby permitting an expansion ofthe clutch under the action of the spring 20 toy engage the work piecesand draw them rearward from the loading head with the carrier head as itmoves rearward.

The general operation of the machine briefly described` is as followsr-Themotor 27 .being continually driven causes a driving ofthe shaft 32in first, one direction and then another due to the automatic shittingof the reverse clutch sleeve 36, while theI shaft 32 has drivingconnection with the cam table 15 So that such table will be driven apredetermined distance in one direction or the other by the shaft whenthe cam 39 or 40 on the table will .engage the clutch lever 37 and shiftthe clutchsleeve 36 to reverse the rotation of the shaft and `theconsequent rotation of the tablef At each rearward or clockwise movementof the cam-table 15. the carrier-heads 16am forced outward in radialplanes and caused to enter the registering cutter-head 6 loadinghead 7and discharging head S. this movement of the carrier-heads,l being occa-Iis'ioned by the coaction of the cam grooves 14 with the rollers 13 onthe carrier slides 11. During the outward stroke of the carrier-head inregister with the loading head 7 its clutch spindle is contracted byreason of the energizing of the associated solenoid 25 therebypermitting the clutch spindle to drop down into the discharge chute 116,the ,65

v forward stroke, the pawl 54' which is driven from the shaft 32, willbe permitted to engage a ratchet tooth 56 of thefset and imv partaforward feeding movement to the carrier-table 9 with the cam-tablesuiiicient to lace each carrier-head 16 in register wit a succeedinghead 6, 7 or 8. This movement of the carrier-table advances the .lastloaded carrierspindle in register with the first cutter-head 6 ofthe setso that upon the next outward stro-ke of the carrier-head the` gearblanks a carried thereby are forced into the cutter-heads for theinitial broaching or tooth cutting operation, the chasers 89fof the headbeing properly adjustedfor such purpose. l

When. the carrier heads have approximately reached the outward limits oftheir movements, the ,cam-ring 99 on each cutterhead is moved inclockwise direction by the shifting of the switch lever 168 to bridgethe contacts f and g, thereby opening the circuits of the severalsolenoids 105 and closing those yof the solenoids 104. The movementofthe cam-rings 99 in this direction causes a radial retraction of thecutting' ends of the chasers to permit the chasers to clear the gears onthe reverse or inward movement' of the latter, which now takes place byreason of the forward movement of the cam-table 15.

When the cam table 15 in its forward movement traverses approximatelytwothirds of its stroke the pawl 54 wlll have moved into position forvits nose to engage a ratchet tooth 56 on the base so that the 1'continued movement of the pawl in clockwise direction will impart aforward move-l ment to the table .9 suiiicient to advance thecarrier-heads one step. The engagement of the pawl 54 with the ratchet56 is permitted at such point by reason'of the roller on the pawllretracting'l'ever 57 moving outward on f the cam portion of the cam 64.It will be understood that for each step of movement of the carriertable the gear cutting operations .for each cutter head are repeated asabove described, the chasers of each cutter being adjusted to take apredetermined cut from the gears so that when the last cutting operationtakes place the cutting of the teeth on the gears is completed. Thecomen the carpleted set of gears at the next movement of the carriertable is moved into register with the unloading head-8 so that upon thenext outward movement of the associated carrier slide the gears enterthe unloading head be-.r

tween the stripper fingers 117. At the end of such outward stroke of thecarrier-head the associated solenoid 25 is energized as hereinbeforedescribed, to effect a4 cont-rac# tion of the associated spindle clutch,such contraction being maintained until the carrier head hasapproximately ,completed its next inward or retracting stroke, therebypermitting the -setof gears to be stripped fromthe spindle bythe fingers117 during such retracting stroke. Thegears as they fall from thespindle, pass downward through the discharge chute 116 to vany suitablepoint of delivery. As each cutterhead registers with the slide .120carrying the grinding unit, the grinding wheel 123 on the outwardmovement of such slide engages the outer cutting ends of the chasers andeffects a sharpening thereof. At the same time theawheel 131 enters thering 98 in the cutter head and the roller on the crank arm 138 thenpasses over the cam 139 and imparts a predetermined rotary movement tothe wheel 131 and to the rin-gs 98 and 95 to effect a slight outwardadjust-ment of the latter and a consequent adjustment of the chasers tocompensate forI wear and for the trimming operation. the face of thegrinding lwheel 123 will be trimmed by turning the crank'1419 to movethe trimmer point 141 radially across kthe face of the wheel. l s

Itis evident that I have provided a gear cutting machine which isautomatic in its action and adapted to successively feed a set of gearblanks to a carrier member and lthen to successively lact on the blanksto progressively broach or cut the teeth thereon and to then dischargethe gearsfrom the car- -rier member; that the machine mayk be providedwithv any number of gear vcarryingv units and -cutter heads to suit thespeed at which it may be desired to turn out lthe gears and that theteeth of the cutter heads are automatically adjusted to compensate forwear and also have their cutting ends ground yat predetermined periodsto 'maintain the chasers in sharp condition.

I wish it understood that my invention is not limited to any specificconstruction, arrangement or form of the parts, or to the particularcombinations illustrated, asfnumerous modifications and changes 1 may bemade without departing from ythe spirit of the claims. V

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is,-

1. In a geary cutting machine, a cutter head having a socket in one endwith an annular At desired intervals f series of tapered longitudinallyextending guideways in its cylindrical wall, a cutter mounted in eachguideway for radial andl lengthwise adjustment therein, and recip-A intothe cutter head socket to cause a cutting of teeth thereon by thecutters and then to retract .the means opera le to h old the cutters incutting relation during the cutting stroke of the member and to retractthe cutters during the retracting stroke of the member.

3. In a gear cutting machine, a cutter head having an annular series ofgear tooth cutters, a reciprocally movable carrier for one or more gearblanks, means for moving the carrier forward to force the blanks carriedthereby into the set of cutters for partially cutting teeth on the'blanks and then to retract the carrier and blanks from the cutter head.and separate means automatically-'operable to periodically move thecutters radially inward and outward to and from cuttin position and toperiodically impart a di erent adjustment to the cutters to compensatefor wear. i

4. In a gear cutting machine, a cutter head and an annular series oftooth cutting chasers carried, bythe head to cooperatej tosimultaneously perform a tooth cutting operation on a gear Iblank forcedinto the head within the series of chasers,the chasers being adjustableradially of the head to engagel and release a blank and beinglongitudinally adjustable to compensate for Wear.

5. In a gear cutting machine, .a socketed cutter head, an annularvseries 'of rockable tooth cutting chasers carried by said head withinthe same and adapted to coperate to cut teeth on a gear forced into thesocket formed thereby, and means automatically operable to radially rockthe chasers in unison 'to cutting or clearance position.

6. In a gear cutting machine, a cutter head having a socket therein withan annular series of internal guides, an annular series of chasers'carriedby said guides for relative inward and outward radial movementsand .for longitudinal movements at an incline to the head axis, andseparate means operable to impart radial and longitudinal movements inunison to the chasers.

7. In a gear cutting machine, a cutter head having a socket therein, anannular series of tooth cutting chasers mounted in the head ears fromthe cutter head, and

socket to cooperate to cut teeth on a ear blank forced therein, a memberthreade in the head socket for adjustment axially of the socket, andconnection between the member, and chasers for 'imparting adjustmentfrom the member to the chasers.

8. In combination a cutterlhead having a socket therein, an annularseriesv'of chasers mounted in thelhead socket, a member threaded in thehead for adjustment axially thereof, connection between the member andchasers for imparting adjustment fromfthe member to the chasers, andmeans operable to enter the head and coact with the threaded member to'impart rotation thereto.

9. In combination, a cutter-head having a socket therein, an annularseries of chasers mounted in the socket for adjusting movementslengthwise thereof to compensate for wear, rotatable means within thehead' operable, when rotated, to adjust the chasers,-

meansbeing .adapted toenter the head and' coact with the rotatablememberVV to impart rotation thereto and the other means being adapted tocoact with the chasers to. sharpen the same.

11.v In a machine of the'class described,

a carrier head, a gear blank holding spindle projecting therefrom andhaving a normally j expanded blank holding clutch, andmeans operabletolrelease the spindle clutch.

12.- In a machine of the class described, a carrier head mounted forreciprocator movements,` a normally expanded clut 1 spindle' carried bythe head for holding one or more work blanks, and electrically contractthe clutch spindle.

18.l In' a gear cutting machine, a carrier head mounted for.longitudinal movements, means operable to impart-predeterminedreciprocatory movements `to the head,an expansion clutch spindleprojecting from the head for holding one or more gear blanks, meansnormally retaining the clutch spindle in expanded relation, and meansoperable to contract the'clutch spindle.

14. In combination, a' movable carrierA member, a spindle rod projectedfrom the member for axial movements and having its spindle endprovidedwith `a conical spiral 1 15" trolled means operable toperiodicallyA congroovei a complemental bushing ribbon encircling thespindle groove and liichOIed to thememb'e, an expansion of the bushingbeing effected by a movement of the spindle rod in onedirection, meansnormally urging a movementof the spindle rod in bushingexpandeddirection, and means auto- ,Illatically operable to periodically movethe spindle rod to' permit a contraction of the bushing. f

1 5.. In a gear cutting machine, va cutter .head having fan annular setof tooth cuttingl chasers, a member for carrying one or more gear blanksandinovable to force the blanks into thechaser set of the head to cutteeth on theblanks andthen to retract the/blanks from the head, vmeansoperable to .move the member to impart gear cutting and retractingmovements thereto, and means automatically operable to expand the cutterlset to clearance position during the retracting movement of the memberand then to contract the chaser set preparatory fora subsequent cut. t t

16. In a gear cutting machine, a. cutter l head having an annular set ofgear tooth cutters, means operable to periodically contract and expandthe 'cutter set, and means for carrying one or more gearblanks andoperable to force the blanks into the cutter set when the set iscontracted and to withdraw the blanks therefrom when the-cutter set isexpanded.

17..In axgeai cutting machine, a cutter head having an annular set ofgear tooth cutters, automatic means periodically operable toexpand andcontract the cutter set to clearance and cutting positions.respectively, and means for carrying one or more blanks and operable toforce the blanks into the heads within the cutter set when the set iscontracted, whereby a tooth broaching operation is imparted to theblank, and then withdrawing lthe blanks from "the cutter head when thecutter set is expanded.

18. In a gear cutting machine,an annular set of gear tooth cutterscapable of expanding and contracting movements to clearance and cuttingpositions, respectively, means automatically operable to periodicallyexpand and contract the cutter-set, means 'for i carrying oneor moregear blanks for movements into and out of the cutter set, and mechanismautomatically operable `to movel the carrier means 'to force gear blanksinto the set of cutters in cutting position and to retract the blankstherefrom when the cutl -ters are in clearance position.

19. In combination, a cut-ter head having an annular set of chaserstherein, a member movable axially of the head and having a vworkcarrying spindle projecting therefrom and an axially yielding bearingcarried by 05 the head for supporting the outer end of the spindle.

'20. In combination, a cutter head having a socketed bearing-head, aplunger'mounted `for yielding axial movements in the head,

and means having a Spindle projecting therefrom `for carrying one ormore work blanksand movable to project the spindle and work blanks intothe cutter head, the outer end of the spindle having a bearing on theouterend of the plunger during a p'ortionof the movement of the spindleintok the cutter head.

21. In combination, a plurality of cutter heads, a plurality of workblank carriers.

movable to project blanks carried thereby into respective cutter headsto perform pre-l deteriiiir'ied tooth cutting operations-on the on theblanks, and means for relatively shifting the cutter head set and memberto successively lace the member in axial register with a di erent cutterhead/of a set. a

23. In combination, aplurality of cutter heads and mechanism o erable tocarry one or more work blanks, intermittently move the sameinto'register with successivecutter heads and to force theblanks intoand out of each cutter head when in register therewith toperform apredetermined cutting operation on the blanks. f f 24. In combination, aplurality of cutter heads, mechanism operable to carry lone or` morework blanks, successively move them into register with succeeding cutterheads of the set and force the blanks into and out of each cutter headwhen in register therewith to perform a'predetermined tooth cutting ,l

operation on the blanks, and means for periodically adjusting thecutters .of each cutter head.

25. In combination, a plurality of cutterheads, each havin a set ofmovable gear tooth cutters therein, mechanism for carrying one or morework blanks and operable to progressively move the gear blanks intoregister with successive cutter-heads-and to force theblanks into andout of each cutterhead when in register therewith to perform.

'a predetermined tooth cutting operation on the blank, and means formoving the cutters of each set to contract the cutters during one strokeand to expand them during another stroke of the blanks into and out ofthe registering cutter-head.

Leanser;A

tion on the blanks, and means periodically operable to adjust thecutters of each cutterhead to compensate for Wear.

27. In combination, a circular series of cutter heads and means operableto carry one or more work blanks for intermittent revoluble movementinto register with successive cutter heads and to force the blanks 4'radial movements relative thereto and into and out of each cutter headwhen in register therewith to progressively cut the blanks.

28. In combination, a circular series of cutter heads, a revolublemember, a slide member for carrying one'or more work blanks and carriedfor radial movements by the member and intermittently movable therebyinto radial register with successive cutter heads, and means operable toreciprocate the slide member when in register with each cutter head toforce the blanks into and out of thev cutter head to perform apredetermined cutting operation thereon.

29. In combination, a circular series of cutter heads, a rotary table, aslide carried i for radial movements by the 'table `and adapted Vtocarry one or more Work blanks for entering a registering cutter headwhen the slide is reciprocated, whereby to perform a predeterminedcutting operation on the blanks, means for periodically moving the tableto place the slide in register with successive cutter heads, and meansoperable to reciprocate the slide when in register with each cutterhead.

30. In combination, a circular series of cutter heads having cuttermembers which have cutters progressively set to perform a successivetooth cutting loperation on work blanks, and means carrying a pluralityof sets of work blanks 'and 'operable to successively place the workblank sets into register with different cutterl headsand to move thework blank sets in unison into cutter head to force the work blankscarried' by lthe slide into and out of a registering cutter head toperform a predetermined cutting operation on the blanks.

32. In combination, a cutter head, a slide for carrying a set of one ormore work Ablanks in register with the head. and means operable toperiodicallymove Athe slide outward to force its Work blanks into thecutter head to perform a predetermined cutting operation on the blanks,then toretruct the blanks from the head and then move the slide out ofregister with' the head.

33.'In`combination, a circular series of cutter heads adapted toprogressively Aact 4on Work blanks to perform successive cuttingoperations thereon, a rotary member. a carrler head carrled by saldmember for adapted to carry one or more Work blanks,

' and means automatically operable to move to -again operatev thecarrier head to force the work blanks into and' out. of the registeringcutter head.

34. In combination, a circular series of cutter heads, a rotary membermounted within the cutter head set, a carrierhead for on'e or more workblanks carried by the rotary member for radial movements relativethereto, an oscillatory cam member op'- erable to impart reciprocatorymovements to the carrier head tovforce its blanks into and outof aregistering cutter head to performi a predetermined cutting operationthereon,

and mechanism operable to periodically oscillate the oscillatory memberto reciprocate the carrier head into and out of a registeringcutter-head and to advance the carrier..

successively move them into register with head into register with asucceeding cutter nuy f each successive cutterhead and force the blanksinto and out o f each head as it registers therewith to perform apredetermined cutting operation on the blanks and then to move the cutblanks into the unloading head and discharge the blanks therein.

36. In combination, aplurality of heads, a loading head and adischarging head arranged lin circular series. means operable within thehead set to pick up one or more work blanks from therloading head,successively move them into register with each successive cutter headand force the cutter blanks into andiout of each head as registerstherewith to perform a -predetermmed tooth cutting operation on theblanks and then to move the cut blanks into the discharging head anddischarge the blanks therein, and means operable periodically to sharpenthe cutters of each cutter head.

37. In combination, a plurality-of cutter heads, a loading head and adischarging head arranged in circular series, means operable Within thehead set to'pick up one or more Work blanks from the loading head,successively move them into register with successive cutter heads andforce the blanks intoand out of each head as it registers therewith toperform a predetermined cut-v ting operation on the blanks and then tomovelfthe cut blanks into the discharging head and discharge the blankstherein, and means periodically operable to adjust the cutters of eachcutter head to compensate for wear. v j

l38. In combination, a plurality of cutter heads, a loading head and adischarging head arranged in a circular series, means operable Withinthe head setto pick up one or moiework blanks from the 'loading head,

successively move them into register with successive cutter heads andforce the blanks into and out of each .head as it registers therewith toperform a predetermined cutting operation on the blanks and then to,move the 'cut blanks into the discharging head anddischarge the blankstherein, an'd 'l means operable to periodically sharpen the membermounted for movement into and out of register with the head and forreciprocatory movements into and out of the head when inl registertherewith, means for holding a set of one or more work blanks on thecarrier member, means operable to impart the different movements to thecarrier member, and means automatically operable to release the holdingmeans for the Workblanks when the blanks are disposed Within thedischarge head and engaged by the stripper members. l

41. In a gear-cutting machine, a cutter head having a set of geartoothcutters therein, and sharpening means periodically movable into registerwith the cutter head and then into and out ofsharpening coaction withthe cutters thereof.

42. In-combinatiom a cutter head having a plurality of cuttersadjustable to compensate for Wear, means Within the cutter head having apart which coacts With the adjustling means at a predetermined point inthe movement of the grinding means and is thenv automatically operableto impart a predetermined adjustment to the adjustin means.

44. In combination, a cutter ead, and means having a pluralit of workblank carriers successively mova le into and out of registerwith thecutter head and each being operable when in register with thev cutterhead to force the Work blanks into and out of the same to perform apredetermined cutting operation on the blanks.

45. In combination, `a cutter head having a' series of cutters, and-means having a plurality of Work blank carriers intermittently movableto successively place successive car-' riers in register With the cutterhead and to move each carrier when in register with a cutter head t0force its work blanks into and out of the cutterhead toperform apredetermined cuttin operation on the blanks.

x46. In com ination, a cutter head having a complete set of cutters, amovable member, a plurality of Work blank carriers carried by the memberfor movements therewith and for reciprocatory movements relativethereto, and mechanism for intermittently moving the member to'successively place the blank carriersin-to register With'the cutterhead and then to move the registering carrier to force it's blanks intothe carrier head to cut the blanks and then to retract the carriers.

47. In combination, a cutter head having a series of cutters, meanshaving a plurality of Work blank carriers intermittently movable tosuccessively place successive carriers in register with the cutter headand to move each carrier when in register with a cutter head to forceits work blanks into and out of the cutter head to perform a'predetermined cutting operation on the blanks, and

means automatically operable to retract the vcutters from 'cuttingposition preparatory to a Withdrawal of the blanks from the cutter head.

48, In a gear cutting machine, a cutter .head having a complete set ofgear toothv tract theblank to cutrteeth thereon, and means automaticallyoperable to periodically move the cutters to clearance and cutting po-10 sitions. v

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name to this secification.

HUBE T A. MYERS.

